A Day on the Hill

29 January 2009 A Day on the Hill

Students learn firsthand about careers in D.C.

Whether HWS students aspire to become a lawyer or lobbyist, a consultant or Senator, events such as Day on the Hill give them a formidable boost. At the two-day event during winter break, politically-minded students experienced the inner workings of numerous political and governmental careers through networking opportunities, panel discussions and tours of government offices.

This event is incredibly important and unique. The opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., meet up with alumni and alumnae and learn about their experiences is a once in a lifetime experience, said Caleb Campbell 11, one of more than 20 students who attended this years event. Being there and walking around the capitol is just amazing.

Amanda Ward 11 agreed. It was very exciting to see the work firsthand that goes on in D.C.

While in Washington, students attended panel presentations and networked with HWS alums who ranged from rookies to experienced veterans in the field. They included:

  • Kate Bardsley 08, a staff assistant with Podesta Group, a government relations and public affairs firm;
  • Ian Bartels 08, researcher with the Republican National Committee;
  • Will Cox 06, project specialist for solar energy programs at Lockheed Martin Corp.;
  • Vincent DeFabo 08, a corps member through AmeriCorps;
  • Rodney Frelinghuysen 69, Congressman (R-NJ);
  • Jeremy Horan 07, legislative correspondent for U.S. Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT);
  • Kara Horton 07, assistant account executive with Valis Associates, LLC, a government relations and public affairs consulting firm;
  • Nick Moon 04, consultant for Booz Allen Hamilton, a private consulting firm and government contractor;
  • Sam Ritzman 02, campaign employee with the Hillary Clinton Campaign;
  • Patrick Rothwell 01, Chief of Staff for the House Republican Policy Committee;
  • Matt Simpson 04, associate with the International Trade and Arbitration Group, Weil Gotshal & Manges, LLP.

This is the third time that the Colleges have sponsored a Day on the Hill, an event led by Professor of Political Science Iva Deutchman, Associate Professor of Political Science DeWayne Lucas and President Mark D. Gearan. The group also toured the Democratic and Republican National Committee offices as well as the Center for American Progress.

This years Day on the Hill was definitely the best yet, Deutchman said. From the panelists who spoke to the students who attended-everyone exuded a tremendous amount of enthusiasm.

Horton 07 agreed. I enjoyed the enthusiasm and thoughtful questions put forth by the students and their eagerness to learn and understand how our government functions on a day-to-day basis. The Colleges take great pride in its track record of preparing students for the future. Exposing students to the real world during events such as Day on the Hill is the most effective way of accomplishing this.

Ward and the other students appreciated that the alums were willing to reach out to them. After each of our panel discussions the alums stayed and were willing to answer questions, offer their business cards and help us in any way possible, she explained.

Salisbury Center for Career Services Associate Director Brandi Ferrara praised the vital role of alum volunteers. We were excited to once again offer programming thanks largely to alums and friends of the Colleges who are able to provide students with valuable exposure to their organizations, career fields and occupations.

In the photo above is (l to r) Adam Croglia 10, Congressman (R-NJ) Rodney Frelinghuysen 69, L.H.D. 01 and Lauren Zeitler 09.